Striking It Safe

Winter is pending, and that blinding glare is back again.

Sun strike means we need to take even extra care driving the roads early morning or late in the day, when the sun is low.

Hurunui District Council Road Safety Coordinator Dean Eades said everyone in the Hurunui district can play their part in managing the potential dangers of sun strike.

Keeping windows and windscreen clean inside and out, driving with lights on, watching out for cyclists, holding a good following distance, and small things like keeping sun glasses in your vehicle, are all very important factors to keep in mind when the sun is low.

Dean said the ongoing roadworks on SH1 south of Kaikoura means many of the roads throughout the district will continue to be busy during the cooler months, so it’s important to always pay attention.

“And remember your sun visor is for just that, blocking the sun – not storing bills and clutter that can fall down and distract the driver.”

There are ice scrapers and cloths available at HDC, which can be kept in vehicles to help keep windows and windscreens clean.

Combatting sun strike is about being aware of the dangers and knowing how to avoid them, so we can all enjoy our beautiful roads safely.

Sun strike

• Occurs when the sun hits the windscreen causing glare and making it hard to see the road ahead.
• Intensifies on mornings & afternoons, when the sun is low in the sky
• May to August are the worst months

Beat the glare

• Keep your windscreen clean,

inside and out

• If possible, pull over and wait until visibility improves.
• Wear polarised sunglasses. Good-quality polarised eye wear will reduce the effect of sun strike.
• Use your headlights during these periods, to increase the chances of being seen.